Confession is key in Sean Taylor slaying trial

MIAMI (AP) -- The circumstances of a confession by the man accused of shooting Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor in 2007 is at the center of that man's murder trial.

A prosecutor told jurors in Monday's opening statements that they will see how 23-year-old Eric Rivera Jr. described for detectives what happened in detail and how he shot Taylor during a botched burglary. Rivera's lawyer countered that the confession was forced and that her client didn't kill Taylor.

Rivera faces a life prison sentence if convicted. Four other people from the Fort Myers area were also charged, one of whom has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and burglary charges. The others face trial later.

Taylor - 24 years old when he died - was a Pro Bowl safety who also starred at the University of Miami.